Strength for Motherhood!

After starting my fitness journey I came across my this amazing program, Stroller Strides!  I was doing fine working out on my own, but dang it, motherhood can be lonely.
I found classes in my area (we had moved from Wasilla, AK to Anchorage).  I fell in love with Stroller Strides before I had even been to a class.  Just the idea of it and I wanted what they had!
In fact, my husband and I had been toying with the idea of owning a small business or at least something I could do from home.  While searching the website for classes I noticed the franchise was for sale.  SOLD!  I seriously called my husband, before even attending a class, and asked if I could buy it.  He did assure me that I should go try it first, but was totally open to the idea.  I went to my first class confident that if wasn't just a "walk in the park" but an actual workout, I was going to be buying it!

My original Anchorage crew.  Man, I miss those ladies!

My first class was in late winter in Anchorage.  They were holding classes in an indoor water park.  I was about 5 months pregnant with my second daughter.  I arrived at class in long pants and a long sleeved shirt and my single jogging stroller.  The instructor, Jen, who soon became a good friend and continued to teach for me after I bought the franchise, was so nice and taught an amazing workout.  I was not dressed appropriately for 80 degrees and 80% humidity that the water park provided though.  I left drenched in sweat, but oh so happy!
Not long after that I bought the business and have loved it ever since. 


Playgroups- Ahhh!  How much does this former 2nd grade teacher LOVE crafts!

1st anniversary of our Phoenix Stroller Strides classes!

We moved to Phoenix about 2 years ago so I sadly had to sell my Stroller Strides in Anchorage, but missed it so much, I bought another one in Phoenix!  I just feel like this is my thing, what I'm meant to do.  I love playing with the adorable kiddos and watching them grow.  I love watching the moms settle into this crazy thing called motherhood and along the way get their pre-baby body back.  I mostly love that I get to be a part of women's lives during this MONUMENTAL phase of life.  The friendships made during this time in a women's life last, and my girls have made their best friends at class.  This is when you can't hide behind a facade.  You are too tired, emotional, and in love with this new person to fake it.  So we are real.  You can come cranky, tired, and covered in spit up.  It's ok, we truly get it.

 I wake up every day feeling so blessed that this came into my life and that I get to do this for "work".



In Stride,
Kristy

Motherhood made me get fit.

If you would have told me 10 years ago that my life would center around motherhood and fitness I would never have believed you.  I was working full time (as a teacher which is exhausting), happily married, and settling into a new home.  On the other hand I never worked out, ate TERRIBLY (think Burger King and Taco Bell all the time), and felt horrible about myself.  I had slowly gained 30 pounds without even concerning myself with it.

Fast forward 3 years and we decided we were "grown up" enough to have a baby (whatever that means).  I had an uneventful pregnancy, but definitely used it as an excuse to eat for 2!  I had a wonderful and easy delivery that resulted in my first daughter.  Ahhh, it was awesome!

However, to my surprise I didn't leave the hospital in my pre-pregnancy jeans!!!  Anyone else been surprised by that?  I mean, I gave birth to a 8lb 13oz baby, plus all the other fun post-delivery stuff.  Surely that should have gotten rid of the extra weight.  Ugh, oh well.  I quickly became consumed with taking care of this little person that totally turned our lives upside down.  I just ignored that it was still bothering me.

                                             (at Jeannie's wedding- 3 months post-partum)

When my daughter was about 9 months old I finally hit the wall.  Don't get me wrong, I had plenty of crazy 'calling-my-husband-phone-calls-because-I-didn't-know-what-I-was-doing-or-who-I-was times', poor guy.  I finally decided that it was really bothering me that I wasn't wearing anything except pajamas and sweat pants.  It bothered me that I felt only like a mom, nothing else.  I certainly didn't feel attractive and that definitely affected my relationship with my amazing hubby.  Mostly what bothered me was that I also had this gorgeous, perfect little girl that I became acutely aware would be following in my footsteps.  I couldn't do this anymore.  I did not want my daughter to inherit any body/weight issues I hadn't resolved.

(That's me on the left.  This is the picture that changed everything)

   

I decided one day, right around when the picture above was taken, that was it....I asked my husband if we could buy a treadmill.  He, of course, knew better than to say no.  I am sure I hadn't been that pleasant to be around.     
I bought a treadmill and signed up for a half marathon 6 months from that date.  That seriously was the turning point!  I woke up early 6 days a week before my daughter woke up and I followed a Hal Higdon training program!  6 months later we flew back to Phoenix (we had moved to AK) and I arrived 50 pounds less than I started my pregnancy.  I felt amazing and knew I would never go back.  I finished that race and have since gone on to run several more and even became a certified group fitness instructor and purchased a Stroller Strides franchise.  That will need a post to itself! 

Am I perfect?  Heck no!  I have bad days where I just want need Amanda's Kryptonite rice krispies.  I am, however, trying to take care of myself every day.  Not just for my health, but to model to my girls that when they are moms they have to take care of themselves too.

                                                                    (post race party)

  (50 lbs lighter than when I started)

                                                    
I can absolutely say that motherhood has made me re-evaluate everything and try to become a better person every day.  I have my daughters to thank for the new path that my life has taken.  I love that every day I make strides in my own fitness and get to help other moms make strides in theirs.

In Stride,
Kristy   

About Me- Kristy

Hi!  So this is supposed to be a blog by 4 sisters and only the other 3 have posted...oops.  I have had the best intentions, but, well,  you've seen how that has worked.  Anyways, I am going to do better, or at least try to do better.

I am the oldest of the four. 

I have been married to my high school sweetheart, A,  for 12 years.  He is so amazing and such a good balance for my craziness.  We've been together since I was 15 years old and he truly is my best friend.   He just gets me and accepts me for my nutty self.  I am blessed to have such a great hubby.  He works in the oil fields of Alaska and we live in sunny Arizona-so that's quite the commute.  He flies to work for 2 weeks and comes home for 2 weeks.  It's a little crazy, but it works for us.  He gets to be off the whole time he is home so we get a lot of quality time, and I get a ton of help.  When he's gone I am a single mom which quite frankly, sucks, but after 5 years I have almost figured it out.  Plus, my girls will both be in school this year so I have nothing to complain about.

(by the way- A absolutely hates taking pictures where we have to look longingly at each other.  He was mumbling under his breath the whole time so I am always laughing in them)

     I have 2 amazing daughters, M and T.  They are 6 and 4.  They really are completely awesome, and exhausting all at the same time.  I have had the pleasure of staying home with them and pursuing my other passion,

Stroller Strides!

 

I have had the pleasure of owning a Stroller Strides business in both Alaska and now Phoenix, Arizona.  I will write more about it later, but I truly LOVE this "job".  I love working out so it's a perfect fit. 

  
So that's me in a nut shell.  I probably won't be doing much blogging about crafts.  I've recently given it up, because it's too frustrating for my type A personality.  Things from me will be more focused on fitness, health, races, working out and such....because that's what I love!

In Stride,
Kristy